In Celebration takes place in the Derbyshire mining town of Langwith. The Shaws’ three sons have returned home to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Mr. Shaw has been a coal miner for 49 years, and has only one year left until retirement. Mrs Shaw is the daughter of a pig breeder, meaning she came from a higher social class.
The parents urged their sons to abandon their father’s trade in pursuit of professional careers, but the results have not been entirely positive. Andrew, the eldest, became an solicitor but has abandoned it to pursue painting. Colin, who was a Communist party member for a year, is now a prosperous but unfulfilled industrial relations manager for a car manufacturer, dealing with negotiations with the unions.
The youngest brother, Steven, is a teacher, married with four children, and has abandoned a book he had been writing for several years. The family go to an expensive restaurant, although the action is almost entirely in the couple’s living room. A friendly neighbour is present for some of the scenes.
The film examines the tensions which develop over the course of one evening as the family reunite. The family recall unpleasant incidents, including a premarital pregnancy, physical abuse, child neglect, the death of the couple’s first son, the mother’s suicide attempt and the outing of another son.
In Celebration is a 1975 film directed by Lindsay Anderson. It is based in the 1969 stage production of the same name by David Storey which was also directed by Anderson. The movie was produced and released as part of the American Film Theatre, which adapted theatrical works for a subscription-driven cinema series. It was meant to be shown theatrically with tickets sold in advance.
In Celebration (1975)
Directed by: Lindsay Anderson
Starring: Alan Bates, Gabrielle Daye, Brian Cox, Bill Owen, James Bolam, Constance Chapman
Screenplay by: David Storey
Production Design by: Jim Di Gangi, Roy Stevens
Cinematography by: Dick Bush
Film Editing by: Michael Ellis
Art Direction by: Alan Withy
Music by: Christopher Gunning
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: American Film Theatre
Release Date: March 17, 1975 (US)
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